You must be prepared if you live in an area that may experience hurricanes. If a warning has been issued and no evacuation plans have been implemented, you must secure yourself in your house. Where in the house would be the safest place? Which floor should be preferred?
The safest floor in your house during a hurricane is the lowest floor. This can be the ground floor or the basement of the house. You must be as close to the ground as possible for you, and you must be prepared. A need to move to other floors of the house should not occur, preferably during a storm.
Now that you know what floor to evacuate to, you must know what measures you may need to take and which place you should be situated in during the hurricane to ensure your safety. Understanding why the chosen floor is preferred and what guidelines to follow may help in planning and coordination until the storm has passed.
How Do Hurricanes Impact Houses?
The hurricane season runs for six months, from June to November. Hurricanes have the strength to uproot houses from the ground completely. However, that depends on the power and severity of the storm. In milder hurricanes, homes tend to be damaged a lot.
The roofs may leak, windows may shatter, doors can break, and the foundation of the house’s structure may be weakened. It is often advised to install specialized roofs and windows that are storm resistant and decrease property damage.
Investments in strengthening the structure of the house can prove to be beneficial. The damage that a natural catastrophe like a hurricane could cause can be considerably reduced. Such measures may be taken before the season begins, so the risks are managed.
Which Floor Is The Safest During A Hurricane?
There may be a lot of confusion about which floor of the house you should stay on if your home has multiple floors. It is advised to be as close to the ground as possible; hence, the ground floor is the best option. If your house has a basement, consider moving there until the hurricane ends.
The lower floors receive the most negligible impact from the hurricane. This is due to the elements of construction. Floors closer to the ground are secured better to the house’s foundation. They make it the safest place to be in during a hurricane.
Where To Be During Hurricane?
After you have decided on the floor you want to set up on while you wait out the storm, it is crucial to find a place. During the hurricane, you cannot utilize the entire floor. Instead, you need to specify an area to which you must stay restricted for the duration of the hurricane.
A Windowless Area
The place that you secure yourself in must have no windows. The presence of windows can be an invitation to disaster. Strong winds may knock open windows or break the glass. This can let water in and flood the place.
By being in an area of the house with windows, you may be prone to injury due to broken shards of glass. Flying objects from outside may enter the home and injure you or cause more damage inside the house. Moreover, you may also be exposed to a hurricane, get wet, catch a cold, or fall sick.
Below are some windowless areas you may want to consider while preparing for a hurricane.
- Closet – An enclosed space like a cabinet can be a perfect choice. It may also serve as a safety shield from external objects, the wind, and the air. However, you may want to refrain from entertaining the idea if you are claustrophobic.
- Bathroom – A bathroom can serve as a shelter during a hurricane if it has no windows. It also provides you with more significant space to move around.
- Under The Staircase – The staircase protects you from above and saves you from falling objects.
- In A Hallway – A hallway may be a crowded place to be in, but it has no windows and serves the purpose of safety during a hurricane very well. You can remove the furniture from here if any is present.
Storm Shelter
If storms are recurring in your area of residence, consider investing in an in-house storm shelter. These are similar to bomb shelters in the olden war days. Storm shelters can stand on their own, be installed with something, or be in the ground.
Made with concrete and walls over ten inches thick, these are claimed to be hurricane-proof. Depending on the chosen size, beds or sofas can be added to these shelters. Further modifying and designing this place can make it comfortable and cozy to your own liking.
In smaller towns, especially those near coastal areas, you might be able to find a community bunker for things to storm over.
Make an Emergency Kit
Sheltering inside your home may sound convenient, but during a hurricane, you may only be able to access some of your houses. You may be restricted to a specific area, so it is advised to create an emergency kit for the duration of the hurricane and keep it with you. This kit can include anything you feel is necessary. Below is a list of some suggestions and essential items.
- Plenty of water
- Non-perishable food items
- Important documents
- Flashlights
- Radio
- Medications if required
- Batteries
- A First-aid kit
- Cash
- Important technology items
- Personal hygiene and sanitation items
Final Thoughts
A hurricane warning can cause stress, but adequate preparation beforehand can save your energy and make you calmer. Ensure you are on the lowest floor you can be on, and find a place with no windows.
If you have a storm shelter, you are safe. Be sure to pack all the necessary items in a bag that is easy to carry. Try not to overpack! Once you have all the supplies, stay tuned to the radio and wait for the storm out. Stay safe!